Method guide · reviewed September 2, 2026
Use RICE as a comparison, not a verdict.
RICE compares product ideas with the same four inputs. It makes assumptions visible, but it does not replace customer research, strategy, dependencies, or judgment.
Formula and inputs
(Reach × Impact × Confidence) ÷ Effort
- Reach
- People or events affected during one stated period.
- Impact
- The expected effect on one goal for each person reached.
- Confidence
- The evidence strength behind the reach, impact, and effort estimates.
- Effort
- Total work across product, design, engineering, and other contributors.
Worked example
A project reaches 500 customers in one quarter. Impact is 2, confidence is 80%, and effort is 2 person-months.
500 × 2 × 0.8 ÷ 2 = 400
Compare this result only with rows that use the same reach period, impact scale, and effort unit.
Use RICE when
- Several ideas support the same product goal.
- You have evidence for the reach and confidence inputs.
- You can use one effort unit across every row.
Common errors
- Using votes as reach without a customer or time definition.
- Choosing high confidence without research or product data.
- Mixing days, weeks, and person-months in the effort column.
- Treating the sorted score as a roadmap commitment.